So yeah, we’ve been on a scone kick lately (see here, and here), but that’s because the base recipe for these is so very, very simple and takes just a few minutes to prep and less than 25 minutes to bake. The secret behind these super-tender scones is really good dairy- we use Straus cream for best results (hint: it’s because of fat content).
Ingredients
2cupsBread flour
1-1/2cupsWhole wheat flour
2tbspBaking powder
2tspKosher salt
8ozPitted dates
1/2cuptoasted hazelnutsFinely chopped , divided
2-2/3cupsHeavy cream
2tbspCoarse sugarfor garnish
Maple Glaze
1cupSifted powdered sugar
3TbspMaple syrup
1 to 2TbspMilk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 360F (or 325F if you're using convection).
In a large bowl, mix together all your dry ingredients, including the dates and nuts (save a few Tablespoons of the nuts for garnish after you've glazed the scones).
Add the cream all at once, mixing with a wooden spoon until just combined. Flour your work surface and dump the dough onto it. Using floured hands, gently press into an 8" round circle. Cut in half, then in again until you have 8 triangles.
Place the scones on a parchment-paper lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for about 20 minutes, or just until golden.
Maple Glaze
Mix the syrup and powdered sugar together to make a thick paste. Add only enough milk to thin it out a bit; it should not be too runny!
Once the baked scones have cooled off for 10 or so minutes, dip the tops in the glaze and shake them off while still upside down. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.